Farm manager jailed nine years for stock theft

Paul Pindani in CHINHOYI
A NYABIRA farm manager, who stole two cows belonging to the younger brother of former Minister of Mines, Walter Chidhakwa, has been sent to jail.

John Tinashe Maheya, 29, was arraigned before Chinhoyi provincial magistrate, Langton Ndokera, charged with two counts of stock theft.

His accomplice, Tendai Sokisi, who was employed as a security guard, was found not guilty, on both counts.

Ndokera sentenced him to nine years in jail on each count.

However, the sentences will run concurrently.

The complainant in this case is Augustine Chidhakwa, 49, represented by his brother, Walter, of 47 Drew Glenlorne, Harare.

Prosecuting, Irene Mapfumo told the court that on March 26, 2022, Maheya took advantage of Chidhakwa’s absence from the farm.

He stole one brown hornless cow and another cow with short horns.

Both cows were of the Brahman breed.

The two sold the cows to Tanaka Mrewa, of 1145 Snake Park , Harare, who was issued with a ZRP Livestock certificate serial number 3604738.

The police clearance was done without the authority of the owner.

The matter came to light when Chidhakwa’s brother, Walter, carried out a stock take of the cattle.